Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to English Language Arts 10: A Bibliography for the Secondary Level (1997).
Alternatives to Grading Student Writing (Print-Non-Fiction). Tchudi, Stephen, ed. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), 1997. 307 p. ISBN 0-8141-0130-5 ($22.95 U.S. pbk.).
This collection of essays looks at ways of involving students collaboratively in assessing their writing, creating carefully articulated criteria, providing ample response to students' work, and communicating with parents about student progress and achievement. The book includes a table of contents.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Assessment and ESL: On the Yellow Big Road to the Withered of Oz (Print-Non-Fiction). Eckes, Mary and Law, Barbara. Peguis Publishers Limited (BERG), 1995. 309 p. ISBN 1-895411-77-7 ($21.00 pbk.).
(CAN) A useful handbook for educators instructing students for whom English is a second language, this resource suggests practical strategies for assessing language progress of students from kindergarten to grade twelve. Focusing on finding out what students know, the book gives ideas for setting up and managing the assessment of students, including topics such as initial placement, anecdotal records, conferences, and collaboration with parents and other teachers. Included are examples of students' work, anecdotes describing varied strategies for use with students with differing needs, a table of contents, an appendix of grading guidelines for writing, sample checklists and recording forms, a bibliography, and an index. This is an easily understood manual.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Assessment in the Learning Organization: Shifting the Paradigm (Print-Non-Fiction). Costa, Arthur L. and Kallick, Bena, eds. Association for Supervision (ASCD), 1995. 229 p. ISBN 0-87120-250-6 ($25.95 U.S. pbk.).
In this collection of writings, outstanding educators present personal experiences in the classroom and their insights into assessment practices. They discuss how assessment should involve systems thinking, feedback to promote continual learning, and use of a developmental continuum that helps students set goals. Included are a table of contents, index, and recommended readings.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Elementary Level; English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Audiocassette). King, Laurie R. Durkin Hayes Publishing Ltd. (DHP), 1996. 186 min. ISBN 0-88646-388-2 ($19.99).
In this mystery narrated by Megan Follows, a young woman meets Sherlock Holmes and soon becomes partners with him as they find themselves on the trail of kidnappers. The two sleuths soon realize that the mystery will only be solved when they have identified the mysterious person who seems bent on killing both Holmes and the girl.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
Born Hutterite (Video). Hofer, Samuel. Black Hat Productions Inc. (NFB), 1997. 48 min. Order no. 9196 141 ($39.95).
(SK) This video expresses several people's perceptions about personal faith and the struggle to balance people's desire for individual freedom with the security of a regulated life within a community. Through interviews with members of a Hutterite colony and two former members, Mary Wipf and Sam Hofer, author of Born Hutterite, this video juxtaposes the viewpoints of those who have left the colony with those who have chosen to remain. Included is footage showing daily life within the colony, as well as the former members' struggle to earn a living on the outside.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Decisions
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Breakthroughs: An Integrated Advanced English Program (Print-Non-Fiction). Engelking, Marina and McPherson-Ramirez, Gloria. Oxford University Press (OUP), 1998. Order no. 8694 ($26.15 pbk.). Audiocassette - Order no. 8693 ($40.70 cassette).
(CAN) This theme-based resource offers an audiocassette of clear, culturally diverse selections supported by accompanying listening activities in the integrated-skills student resource. The audiocassette selections are renditions of interviews, anecdotes, speeches, and poems from recognized personalities. The student resource prepares students for the listening experiences, guides them through the readings, and follows up with a variety of activities. Also included are additional texts and visuals, along with speaking, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing activities related to each theme. The ten units in this kit provide useful listening experiences to supplement appropriate thematic courses of study. This resource is also being considered for Media Studies 20. Note: The audiocassette contains dated racial terminology.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Environment; Equality; The Unknown
Educating Everybody's Children: Diverse Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners (Print-Non-Fiction). Cole, Robert W., ed. Association for Supervision (ASCD), 1995. 184 p. ISBN 0-87120-237-9 ($25.95 U.S. pbk.).
This book is written as a guide to developing school programs that meet the needs of students from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The book offers a range of instructional strategies for teaching oracy, literacy, and mathematics. Each strategy is supported by rationale, classroom examples, and references. The book contains a table of contents and bibliography.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Expressions: Stories and Poems (Print-Anthology). Fiene, Pat, ed. (Contemporary's Whole Language Series). Contemporary Books (CBK), 1992. 122 p. ISBN 0-8092-3993-0 ($12.95 U.S. pbk.). Teacher's Guide - Order no. 0-8092-3645-1 ($9.95 U. S. pbk.).
The 20 stories and poems in this American collection are very easily read selections supported by explanation of unfamiliar vocabulary, a pre-reading focus, post-reading reflection, and writing activity. The book offers a table of contents and black and white reproductions of art works. The teacher's guide contains general guidance in teaching an integrated language-based course, lesson plans, plot summaries, and additional suggestions for activity.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Decisions; Multigenre
The Fall of the Red Star. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Szablya, Helen M. and Anderson, Peggy King. Boyds Mills Pr. (CDS), 1996. 166 p. ISBN 1-56397-419-3 ($22.99 hdc.).
Loosely based on the experiences of the author's family during the Hungarian revolt of 1956, this novel follows the Kovary family as they become involved in freedom fighting, celebrate a short-lived Hungarian independence, and then flee to Austria when Soviet tanks re-enter the city of Budapest. This is an easily read novel that includes an endpaper map, glossary, and epilogue providing historical background.
Suggested Use: Challenges
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
5 Minute Mysteries for the Armchair Detective (Print-Anthology). Weber, Ken. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (IRW), 1988. 198 p. ISBN 0-7737-5970-0 ($14.99 pbk.).
Each of the 37 brief scenarios in this collection contain clues that help readers reconstruct crimes to answer the logic question at the end of the segments. The book contains a table of contents, line drawings, and solutions for each mystery.
Suggested Use: Short Stories; The Unknown
Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story (Print Non - Fiction). Perl, Lila and Lazan, Marion Blumenthal. Greenwillow Bks. (HBG), 1996. 130 p. ISBN 0-688-14294-X ($20.50 hdc.).
This is a moving account of one Jewish family's struggle for survival during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The book details the family's attempts to leave their comfortable home in Germany for short-term safety in Holland and their many years in refugee, prison, and transit camps. This simply written, sincere memoir includes family and archival photographs and a bibliography.
Suggested Use: Challenges
I Heard the Drums (Print-Non-Fiction). Sapp, Allen. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (IRW), 1996. 111 p. ISBN 0-7737-2974-7 ($40.00 hdc.).
(SK, I/M) Saskatchewan artist Allen Sapp includes numerous colour reproductions of art works and photographs of family and friends in this memoir to show how being rooted in a loving family gave him the strong sense of identity that has contributed to his success. Sapp also relates the steps along his personal and professional journey, giving credit to the many friends who have supported his artistic progress. Through his story, the artist hopes that Aboriginal youths will listen to the voices of their elders and ancestors, and will use these memories of language and culture to enrich their own lives.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
Jewish Children (Video). (Hidden Children Series). McNabb and Connolly (MGR), 1994. 50 min. Dup. order no. V3112.
Where we are born, the language we speak, our parents' beliefs and personalities, our cultural history, all contribute to our identity. When this is never fully constructed or is shattered in later life, the effort to piece together an authentic identity can become an all-consuming obsession. Thousands of Jewish children were hidden away among gentile families at the onset of the Holocaust. This program features six of these children who are now dealing with dual cultural heritages. They describe why they were hidden, the effect of their upbringing on their religious perspectives, and their difficulties following the war. The adults describe the healing process they experienced and how their present life reflects a need to deal with the past.
Suggested Use: Equality
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20
The Lie That Had to Be (Print-Fiction). Palermo, Sharon Gibson. Thistledown Press Ltd. (THI), 1995. 101 p. ISBN 1-895449-44-8 ($13.95 pbk.).
(SK) Rennie is a ten-year-old Italian girl whose parents own a popular bakery in Nova Scotia. When her father is sent away as an Italian detainee during World War II, Rennie is dismayed by the community's change in attitude to her family. This easily read novel depicts the underlying racism that caused wartime hysteria to disrupt the lives of many Canadians who belonged to ethnic minorities.
Suggested Use: Equality
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Orphans of Manchuria (Video). (Hidden Children Series). McNabb and Connolly (MGR), 1994. 50 min. Dup. order no. V3113.
This program follows four Japanese "orphans" who talk about their early memories of separation, of having to hide or deny their Japanese identity, and about the dangers faced by their Chinese host families, particularly during the Cultural Revolution.
Suggested Use: Equality
Other Use: Social Studies 20/History 20
Peter Elbow on Writing (Video). Media Education Foundation (KIN), 1995. 43 min. Order no. 3757/0685 ($315.00).
In 14 brief segments, Peter Elbow talks to students about the process of writing. Using examples from personal experience, he provides insights into how one works through problems in writing. Topics include writers' block, using a writer's journal, private and shared audiences, and stages in the writing process. Included are discussions about the role of varied types of feedback and the importance of readers and listeners to good writing.
Suggested Use: Language Resource
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
The Poetry Dictionary. 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Drury, John. Story Press (GBW), 1995. 324 p. ISBN 1-884910-04-1 ($27.99 hdc.).
A reference to aid understanding of poetic forms, elements, and devices, this book contains explanations and examples in easily understood terms. This is a useful classroom reference tool.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Remember: Helen's Story (Print-Non-Fiction). Oancia, Sandra. Detselig Enterprises Ltd. (TEMB), 1997. 115 p. ISBN 1-55059-145-2 ($14.95 pbk.).
(SK) In this powerful account of physical and emotional struggle, a concentration camp survivor moves to Canada, where she faces further challenges. Helen struggles to support her family and retain a positive attitude following the death of her first husband and the tragic circumstances of her second husband's death.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Equality
The Souvenir (Print-Fiction). Carlon, Patricia. Soho Pr., Inc. (GDS), 1996. 183 p. ISBN 1-56947-048-0 ($28.95 hdc.).
Set in 1970 in Australia, this mystery moves between the present, in which an investigator works to learn the truth about a man's death four years before, and the past, in which two female hitchhikers were last seen struggling with the man. When Sandra, a naive and protected teen, meets Petra, she accepts the seasoned hitchhiker's arrogant dominance in return for Petra's guidance in finding safe rides. Petra's penchant for stealing souvenirs from each kind driver causes a tragic accidental death and precipitates a stabbing death for which neither girl will admit responsibility. This is an interesting study of conflict between strongly drawn characters and a suspenseful mystery.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Spirit Walker (Print-Anthology). Wood, Nancy. Doubleday Canada Limited (DOU), 1993. unp. ISBN 0-385-30927-9 ($22.50 hdc.).
In an introduction to this poetry collection, the author traces her increased consciousness of the interconnections among the spiritual and physical worlds, and credits her own development to her association with the Taos Pueblo people of the Santa Fe region. The poems, richly illustrated by Frank Howell, speak of the interconnectedness of all life, perspectives on women, and personal faith.
Suggested Use: Environment and Technology; Poetry
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Teaching to Wonder: Responding to Poetry in the Secondary Classroom (Print-Non-Fiction). Leggo, Carl. Pacific Educational Press (LRDC), 1997. 144 p. Order no. 8324 ($23.25 booklet).
This booklet provides a theoretical understanding of literary perspectives and gives practical suggestions for extending students' ability to respond to and create poems. The author shows how teachers can move students from personal to critical response to poetry through instruction based on reader-response, semiotics, deconstruction, and cultural criticism. The book is suitable for use by teachers wanting an introduction to high school poetry instruction as well as by teachers looking for an expanded repertoire of instructional strategies. Included are a table of contents, index, list of references, and list of recommended anthologies.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
Viewpoints: Nonfiction Selections (Print-Anthology). Niemet, Cathy, ed. (Contemporary's Whole Language Series). Contemporary Books (CBK), 1992. 123 p. ISBN 0-8092-3992-2 ($12.95 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - ISBN 0-8092-3645-1 ($9.95 pbk.).
The 25 non-fiction articles in this American collection are very easily read selections supported by explanation of unfamiliar vocabulary, a pre-reading focus, post-reading reflection, and writing activity. The book offers a table of contents and black and white reproductions of art works. The teacher's guide contains general guidance in teaching an integrated language-based course, lesson plans, plot summaries, and additional suggestions for activity.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Short Prose
Writing Across Cultures: A Handbook on Writing Poetry and Lyrical Prose (From African Drum Song to Blues, Ghazal to Haiku, Villanelle to the Zoo) (Print-Non-Fiction). Kovacs, Edna. Blue Heron Publishers (ORC), 1994. 168 p. ISBN 0-936085-25-8 ($16.95 pbk.).
Providing a multicultural approach to writing, this handbook is organized alphabetically to describe and model varied elements and types of writing worldwide. Included are a table of contents and a list of contributors.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; English Language Arts 20
Writing by Doing: Learning to Write Effectively. 3rd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Hughes, Elaine and Sohn, David A. NTC Publishing Group (NTC), 1997. 324 p. ISBN 0-8442-5909-8 ($31.95 pbk.). Teacher's Manual - ISBN 0-8442-5910-1 ($14.95 pbk.).
This practical resource gives ideas for mini-lessons to aid students' writing in several genres and to give help in grammar and usage. Each lesson includes a warm-up activity, illustration, brief literature selection, and writing activities. A concluding section provides a handbook for grammar and usage. A teacher's manual offers background understandings, teaching suggestions, and suggested answers to questions. Teachers are advised that this book is intended as a source of mini-lessons rather than as a program of study.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 20